50 years ago: The Beatles' first #1 hit

The Beatles scored their first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' on Jan 27, 1964. Here's a look back at the Fab Four in their early days.

The Beatles scored their first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' on Jan 27, 1964. Here's a look back at the Fab Four in their early days.

Photo: Andy Wright, Getty Images

The Beatles scored their first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with 'I... Photo-4329023.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles pose in a small backyard in London with their instruments in 1963.

The Beatles pose in a small backyard in London with their instruments in 1963.

Photo: Terry O'Neill, Getty Images

The Beatles pose in a small backyard in London with their... Photo-4329067.58467 - Times Union

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Paul McCartney of the Beatles photo-bombs George Harrison in 1963.

Paul McCartney of the Beatles photo-bombs George Harrison in 1963.

Photo: Mark And Colleen Hayward, Getty Images

Paul McCartney of the Beatles photo-bombs George Harrison in 1963. Photo-4329025.58467 - Times Union

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High kicking winners of the Melody Maker poll awards for 1963, from left; Billy J Kramer, who won the 'Best Hope For 1963' award, The Beatles, who won 'Top Vocal Group' and, between Beatles Paul and George, Susan Maughan, who won the award for 'Top Female Singer'. less

High kicking winners of the Melody Maker poll awards for 1963, from left; Billy J Kramer, who won the 'Best Hope For 1963' award, The Beatles, who won 'Top Vocal Group' and, between Beatles Paul and George, ... more

Photo: Keystone, Getty Images

High kicking winners of the Melody Maker poll awards for 1963, from... Photo-4329071.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles about to climb onto a bus at London Airport, George Harrison capturing the moment on film with a cine-camera.

The Beatles about to climb onto a bus at London Airport, George Harrison capturing the moment on film with a cine-camera.

Photo: Evening Standard, Getty Images

The Beatles about to climb onto a bus at London Airport, George... Photo-4329070.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles performing on stage during a concert in 1963

The Beatles performing on stage during a concert in 1963

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

The Beatles performing on stage during a concert in 1963 Photo-4329059.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles rehearse for that night's Royal Variety Performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre in November 1963.

The Beatles rehearse for that night's Royal Variety Performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre in November 1963.

Photo: Central Press, Getty Images

The Beatles rehearse for that night's Royal Variety... Photo-4329066.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles in the buffet at Stockholm airport after the Beatles hectic eight day visit to Sweden

The Beatles in the buffet at Stockholm airport after the Beatles hectic eight day visit to Sweden

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

The Beatles in the buffet at Stockholm airport after the Beatles... Photo-4329049.58467 - Times Union

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George Harrison having breakfast in the buffet at Stockholm airport.

George Harrison having breakfast in the buffet at Stockholm airport.

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

George Harrison having breakfast in the buffet at Stockholm airport. Photo-4329051.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles read a letter in their dressing room.

The Beatles read a letter in their dressing room.

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

The Beatles read a letter in their dressing room. Photo-4329052.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles pose for a portrait.

The Beatles pose for a portrait.

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

The Beatles pose for a portrait. Photo-4329054.58467 - Times Union

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Portrait of Ringo Starr.

Portrait of Ringo Starr.

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

Portrait of Ringo Starr. Photo-4329055.58467 - Times Union

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Portrait of John Lennon.

Portrait of John Lennon.

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

Portrait of John Lennon. Photo-4329057.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles during rehearsals in 1963

The Beatles during rehearsals in 1963

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

The Beatles during rehearsals in 1963 Photo-4329058.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles rehearsing in 1963.

The Beatles rehearsing in 1963.

Photo: Antonia Hille, Getty Images

The Beatles rehearsing in 1963. Photo-4329041.58467 - Times Union

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Fans and paparazzi surround the limousine belonging to the Beatles as the famous pop group embark upon their UK Tour.

Fans and paparazzi surround the limousine belonging to the Beatles as the famous pop group embark upon their UK Tour.

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

Fans and paparazzi surround the limousine belonging to the Beatles... Photo-4329045.58467 - Times Union

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The Beatles in Stockholm, Sweden, 1963, John Lennon (right) has his cigarette lit by George Harrison in their dressing room prior to a Swedish TV show

The Beatles in Stockholm, Sweden, 1963, John Lennon (right) has his cigarette lit by George Harrison in their dressing room prior to a Swedish TV show

Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images

The Beatles in Stockholm, Sweden, 1963, John Lennon (right) has his... Photo-4329046.58467 - Times Union

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John Lennon from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park Astoria, London during the band's Christmas Show residency in December 1963.

John Lennon from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park Astoria, London during the band's Christmas Show residency in December 1963.

Photo: Val Wilmer, Getty Images

John Lennon from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park... Photo-4329035.58467 - Times Union

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Ringo Starr from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park Astoria, London during the band's Christmas Show residency in December 1963.

Ringo Starr from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park Astoria, London during the band's Christmas Show residency in December 1963.

Photo: Val Wilmer, Getty Images

Ringo Starr from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park... Photo-4329037.58467 - Times Union

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Paul McCartney and John Lennon from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park Astoria, London during the band's Christmas Show residency in December 1963.

Paul McCartney and John Lennon from The Beatles posed backstage at the Finsbury Park Astoria, London during the band's Christmas Show residency in December 1963.

Photo: Val Wilmer, Getty Images

Paul McCartney and John Lennon from The Beatles posed backstage at... Photo-4329038.58467 - Times Union